Saddle up to discover the delights of the Beara peninsula at the Tour de Beara cycle on September 9, 2023. The not-for-profit, community-run event, formerly known as The Rebel Tour, has established itself as one of the most popular and scenic one-day sportives in the country, and competition will be fierce for its limited places.
The Tour de Beara’s three routes offer great experiences for cyclists of all abilities, introducing them to the colourful villages and dramatic ocean views this unspoilt West Cork peninsula is renowned for.
With over 2,600 metres of climbing, the full 160km route – which includes tackling the iconic Healy Pass twice – will challenge even the most hardened of cyclists, but all their training will be rewarded by one of the most spectacular cycling routes in the country. The circular route begins in the scenic coastal village of Glengarriff, and a stiff ascent over the Caha Pass delivers spectacular views across Bantry Bay. Cyclists will pass through a series of beautiful hand-hewn rock tunnels that take them across the border into County Kerry, before returning to the wilds of West Cork.
Even on a day when the peninsula will be humming with cyclists, there will be time to soak in its peaceful silence and enjoy its rugged terrain.
The shorter routes – 120km and 85km in length – explore the byroads of the Beara and bring visitors into the heart of colourful villages, like Allihies and Eyeries. The local community turns out to create a festival atmosphere and a hero’s welcome awaits all finishers.
Whether cyclists set off independently or with the pack, they’ll find plentiful support at food and water stops along the way to fuel their adventure. The stops are managed by volunteers from many of the local charities and organisations that benefit from the event.
Sports clubs, including many GAA clubs, as well as rugby, rowing, and soccer clubs, local defibrillator groups and national schools throughout Beara are among the many organisations that have received a share of the €150,000 in funds generated over the last three tours. The not-for-profit cycle, organised by members of Glengarriff Community Development Group, Adrigole GAA, and Glengarriff Golf Club, brings many benefits to the local community.
“We’ve been proud to support local organisations such as Cancer Connect, West Cork Women Against Violence, and West Cork Rapid Response over the last few years, as well as Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Irish Red Cross and the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal,” explains event committee member Cormac O’Sullivan.
“We are able to support to the community throughout the year, as well as creating a great cycling day out, and we manage the event carefully, so that it is a great experience for locals, as well as the many people who travel for the event from across Ireland and beyond.”
To register for the Tour de Beara 2023, visit tourdebeara.ie
